Roger Federer is simply the best. He has the best Grand Slam persona. He is a Supreme Sports Personality Champion. He is the perfect role model to inspire others in how to behave decently. This view is qualified by contrasting Roger Federer with Tiger Woods.
These two supremely talented sportsmen and champions have been in society’s collective consciousness for a decade or more and have left impressions on many of us in general (not just on avid golf or tennis fans). From time to time, we have all looked in from the outside at these two great sportsmen of our time, who are both considered the greatest of their generation, and the greatest of all time (true in the case of Federer; in-waiting for Woods). I wish to blog a little about these impressions formed in society’s collective consciousness (some different, some similar) and explain why Federer is so much greater and supreme than Woods.
Talent In Their Chosen Sport
Both Federer and Woods excel in their respective sports. Federer has a record 22 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances, and has won 15 Grand Slam titles. Woods has 14 Major titles. The manner of their domination is what’s interesting.
Federer has always played to his ability and let the results speak for themselves. Jimmy Connors has been quoted: "In an era of specialists, you're either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist ... or you're Roger Federer." Federer does not look down on or disrespect his peers. He does not engage in any noticeable gamesmanship. In fact, he is the most likeable and popular player on tour.
In contrast, Woods dominated his peers only in the early years of his career. Between 1999 and 2002, there was simply no one near fitter, more talented or plain better than Woods. Gradually, as his peers improved and caught up to Woods’ high standards, Woods has had to modify the way he “dominates”. There is no longer a “level playing field” because Woods demands certain “conditions” from his peers, and also from his spectators. Woods is simply treated (and demands to be treated) differently than other golfers. Woods is also not the most popular amongst his peers.
Federer 1, Woods 0
Personality In Their Chosen Sport
Federer has an early childhood history of being rebellious and of smashing up his racquets on court. Fortunately, he learned to control his temper and rage and has gone on to become the greatest tennis player of all time, as well as the nicest champion of all time. He is the most likeable and popular player on tour.
Woods has a history of swearing and of gamesmanship. He growls and snarls and ignores everyone (some might say he is just “being focused”; others might say he is being arrogant and disrespectful). His attitude when he makes a bad shot or when he loses a tournament is not good for kids to see. Woods can be short with people, and condescending. He is not the most popular amongst his peers.
Federer 2, Woods 0
Personality Outside Their Chosen Sport
Woods’ “transgressions” has revealed that he is not the “clean Mr Nice Guy” that his management company would like to have everyone believe. Signs of his “dark side” surfaced during his mid-20s, when Woods hung out with The Brothers (consisting of basketball players Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley American footballer Ahmad Rashad, and baseball player Alex Rodriguez). In 2001, they travelled to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas where Jordan gambled, placing up to $5,000 on a single card. Woods exhibited his rebellious side by bleaching his hair blond. Woods eventually married in 2004 (which is a similar age to when Federer married) but revelations have since appeared that show Tiger has been promiscuous before and after he was married.
Federer is simply a nice guy; an all round top bloke. However compared with Woods, Federer is still relatively young (he is 28 and recently married) so there is a danger that he may find himself in a situation with a mistress. In terms of age in years, Federer is about 5 years younger than Woods. However, the way Federer conducts himself, both on and off the court, demonstrates that he is a mature responsible professional and suggests that he has a good head on his shoulders and has a fantastic support group. Let’s hope Federer does not succumb to any “transgressions” in his future life.
Federer 3, Woods 0
In HKSARblog's humble opinion, Roger Federer is the true Supreme Sports Personality Champion.
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another point that could be included is their mindset about winning and losing.once woods was asked that from where does he drive motivation to win a tournament, he replied'he hated losing' ;on the other hand when same question was asked to roger he replied'his love for winning gives him motivation' federer is deseving and gracious champion......
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous. I agree completely. Woods loses with little grace and respect for his conqueror(s); you can see it in his face. When Federer loses, he is obviously disappointed but he cannot be more magnanimous and gracious in defeat at the highest level. This is because he recognizes that his conqueror(s) must have played “unbelievable” (a common term Federer uses!) to have beaten him. Now that’s respect.
ReplyDeletePut another way, with a half-filled glass, Woods would say it is half-empty, whereas Federer would say it is half-full. Federer is a fantastic sportsman, champion and role model.
You write really well, why are 90% of your posts just names and car number plates?
ReplyDeleteYou're taking your life in your hands if you screw around when you're married to Mirka.
ReplyDeleteAha! With his quick wit, Ulaca in one deft stroke may have hit the Infidelity nail on the head. Yes of course; Miroslava "Mirka" Federer is a clue!! I’ll post more on this when I get the chance.
ReplyDelete